Process for producing compact interlaced yarn



Nov. 12, 1963 w. w. BUNTING, JR., ETAL 3, 0,

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING COMPACT INTERLACED YARN F1led May 26, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.! F|G.2 FIG.3 F|G.4

/ {+2 l n 2 y +5 q3- 3 Q12 a -|2 I ,I l 'l ls INVENTORS 3 WILLIAM WALLAR BUNTING, JR.

X X THOMAS LARSON NELSON 2'4 BYMZM ATTORNEY PROCESS FOR PRODUCING COMPACT INTERLACED YARN Flled May 26, 1961 Nov. 12, 1963 W.W.BUNT1NG,JR., ETAL 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. l4 F|GJ5 a N m 01 um Y mmE BM. N M0 L8 M L 3 MA M O LH WT ATTORNEY Nov. 12, 1963 w. w. BUNTENG, JR., ETAL 3,110,151

PROCESS FOR PRQDUCING COMPACT INTERLACED YARN Flled May 26, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fl6.33 FI6.34 FIG.35

P332630 i5b mvzurons WILLIAM WALLAR Grumman THOMAS LARSON new:

ATTORNEY Nov. 12, 1963 w. w. BUNTING, JR.. ETAL 3,110,151

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING COMPACT INTERLACED YARN Flled May 26, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS WILLIAM WALLAR BUNTING JR.

THOMAS LARSON NELSON ATTORNEY Nov. 12, 1963 w. w. BUNTING, JR., ETAL. 3,110,151

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING COMPACT INTERLACED YARN Filed May 26, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIG. 43 F l G. 45

PW I L :I- so F I G. 46

1 INVENTORS (6 WILLIAM WALLAR BUNTING, JR. THOMAS LARSON NELSON INVE TORS wwwwwwwww L w OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO N- Nov. 12, 1963 w. w. BUNTING, JR, ETAL 3,110,151

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING COMPACT INTERLACED YARN Flled May 26, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 0% ea a 6 0 Fl 6. 52 F 6.53 @a 7 7,, ll a). I "7/41 Z2- M a Q 3w 9 ea 03% lo WILLIAM WALLAR BUNTING, JR. THOMAS LARSON NELSON ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,11%,151 PRGCESS Fill? PRGDUCHQG CQMPACT WTERLACEB YARN William Walla;- Bnnting, lira, Wilmington, and Thomas Larson Nelson, Newark, Del., assigncrs to E. l. du l ont de Nemours and Compan Wilmington, Dei., a corporation of Delaware Filed May 26, 1961, Ser. N 112,927 9 Claims. (63. 57157) This invention relates to the production of coherent compact multifilarnen-t yarn which, even at substantially zero bundle twist and without reliance upon adhesive such as size or fusion of filaments, can be handled and processed in textile operations with the ease of conventional twisted yarn, hence relates to textile yarns (including industrial yarns) useful in applications in which the handling and running characteristics of a conventional zero-twist yarn are not satisfactory. The invention relates more particularly to such yarns and their manufacture wherein individual filaments and groups of filaments are randomly intermingled with adjacent filaments and groups of filarnents along the length of the yarn to form a coherent unitary strand. This novel multifil'ament structure is referred to hereinafter as interlaced yarn.

Also, for the purposes of the present invention, a compact yarn is defined as a single or plied yarn which is essentially free from ring-like or other filament loops and wherein filament-to-filament spacing generally does not exceed one filament diameter, thereby distinguishing from bulked or textured yarn. The term yarn as used herein does not comprehend tows, which are large bundles of filaments brought together for processing treatment and subsequently drafted or spun into yarn for use in textile operations. Since a tow normally has a denier of at least 50,000 which is much greater than the ultimate yarn, any twist or interlace which would interfere with opening the tow is undesirable.

There is a longstanding desire in the textile industry for a process that will produce a-ooherent yarn bundle at high rates of speed without twisting or sizing yarns to insure adequate handling characteristics. As-spun or zero twist yarns perform poorly in many of the common textile operations, such as winding, weaving, knitting, and the like, due primarily to a looseness of structure that permits individual filaments to snag and break, thence forming fluff-balls, slubs, ringers, wraps, stripbacks, or similar defects. Moreover, zero-twist yarn runs in the form of a ribbon over guides, rollers, etc., and the attendant increase in friction often results in abraded yarn which is even more prone to mechanical failure. As a result of these shortcomings, the textile trade is extremely reluctant to use zero-twist yarn, and yarn producers or those processing the yarn must carry out the additional step of twisting each yarn to provide an acceptable starting product. Twisting, of course, serves to compact and unity a yarn bundle, resulting in a more cohesive structure which resists the pulling out of individual filaments. However, conventional true twisting is expensive and time consuming and, being a discontinuous operation, adds disproportionately to the cost of the yarn. Also, the mechanics of true twisting and the additional handling required often results in yarn of lower quality.

3 d lfi,l5l Patented Nov. 12, 1fi3 conventional twisted yarn.

(2) To provide a compact interlaced yarn.

(3) To provide a stable interlaced yarn which can be I drawn without substantial loss of coherency.

(4) To provide an interlaced yarn in which the filaments are protected from break-out and strip-back without recourse to true twist, alternate twist, or size.

(5 To provide a plied interlaced yarn.

(6) To provide a yarn which is both interlaced and twisted.

(7) To provide an interlaced yarn having periodic or random lengthwise variations in the density of interlacing.

(8) To provide a rapid continuous process for producing such interlaced yarns from non-twisted or twisted yarn.

(9) To provide such a process whereby the filaments of freshly formed yarn are interlaced to form a compact coherent multifilament strand prior to initial packaging.

(10) To provide such a process whereby the filaments of freshly drawn yarn are interlaced to form a compact coherent strand prior to packaging.

(11) To provide such a process. whereby the filaments of a plurality of yarns are interlaced to form interlaced nonwoven fabrics, sheets and webs.

(12) To provide such a process whereby a plurality of yarn bundles of the same or different filament compositions, cross-sections and deniers are simultaneously plied and the filaments interlaced to form a compact unitary strand.

(13) To provide an apparatus suitable for continuous high speed interlacing.

In accordance with this invention, compact interlaced yarn is produced by passing a mul-tifilament strand or plurality of strands, under a controlled positive tension sufficient to prevent formation of ring-like loops, through a fiuid jet which separates filaments md groups of filaments from each other and then randomly intermingles them in one or more of the following ways along the length of the yarn to maintain the unity of the product by frictional constraint between the filaments:

(1) Separated filaments or groups of filaments are caused to oscillate between fluid vortices at successive portions along the yarn to intermingle the filaments.

(2) Fluid velocity gradients of sufiicient force to separate and move filaments away from the center line of the main yarn bundle are applied across the yarn, and tension is applied to the yarn passing through the jet to return the filaments toward the center line so that the filaments oscillate randomly in the velocity gradients and are intermingled.

(3) Separated filaments or groups of filaments are caused to revolve about an intermediate axis or axes at difierent speeds or in different directions so that interlacing occurs.

(4) Separated filaments or groups of filaments are rotated randomly and alternately along their lengths in velocity gradients or by rolling on a solid surface or surx? faces and the filaments are then brought together to be intermingled :by unwinding of difierent filament twists in frictional contact.

The running threadline periodically or continuously moves transversely through the fluid so that separated filaments or groups of filaments pass randomly into or through one or more high velocity streams at a frequency in excess of 25 cycles per second to cause intermingling reciprocation of the filaments. Means for producing the relative movement may be mechanical or fluid, and may be provided by the action of the stream or streams.

(6) The running threadline is guided between one or more pairs of high velocity fluid streams arranged to converge toward the threadline in a single plane and then impinge on a solid surface which parallels the threadline at that position, so that filaments and groups of filaments are separated and revolved randomly in different directions with resultant interlacing as they are reassembled. The variables of this arrangement are readily adjusted so that the fluid streams will maintain the threadline in position and will eliminate any whole bundle twisting which might reduce the efiectiveness of the interlacing action.

The tension on the filaments during treatment is preferably controlled to produce an interlaced yarn which can be handled and processed with ease comparable to that of ordinary true twisted yarn having the same number and geometry of identical filaments. This tension varies with jet design, velocity, etc, but is readily determined under any particular operating conditions. In general, a tension in the range of 0.01 to 1.0 gram per denier is suitable.

The compact interlaced yarn of this invention maintains its unity because of frictional constraint between adjacent filaments, even when there is no bundle twist present, i.e., non-twisted interlaced yarn or yarn which has been untwisted to remove any bundle twist. The term bundle twist is used in reference to conventional true twist or alternating twist to distinguish from the interfilament twist introduced by interlacing. Interlaced yarn equivalent in aesthetics and handling properties to highly twisted yarn (17 to 18 turns per inch) can be achieved without bundle twist. In heavily interlaced yarn the filament intermingling is readily discernable, as illustrated in FIGURE 25. However, a relatively light interlacing of zero twist yarn has been found to provide cohesiveness equivalent to that of conventional producers twist in processing operations. Such a yarn will have the appearance of untreated zero twist yarn to the unaided eye, since most of the filament interlacing is concealed within the yarn bundle. By impressing a static charge on a length of interlaced yarn, the filaments can be caused to separate so that some of the filament entanglement becomes visible. Such a view is shown in FIGURE 26.

The outstanding utility of interlaced yarn can be demonstrated in commercial textile operations, but the nature of the yarn is so different from previously known yarns that it has been necessary to devise unique laboratory methods of evaluating the basic characteristics of useful interlaced yarn. The only effective way which has been found for studying the internal structure of the yarn involves encapsulating the yarn in plastic and cutting transverse slices therefrom. A few of such cross-sections would serve to show that the yarn is compact, but that is also true of conventional twisted yarn. By successively photographing a multitude ofclosely spaced cross-sections along a yarn on motion picture film and then projecting the film, the filament migrations within the yarn can be observed. From a large number of such three-dimensional studies a system of classifying and counting the extent of significant filament intermingling has been evolved which is referred to hereinafter in the disclosure and claims as the successive cross-sections yarn evaluation method. A detailed description of this test method will be found near the end of the specification, where the a 25 E=3./7N35 1- where E is the number of events per inch and N is the number of filaments in the yarn bundle. Preferably the number of events per inch corresponds to at least about The frequency may be more than 10 times as great for heavily interlaced yarn. By the same test, an untreated zero twist yarn would theoretically have a value of zero, but normal handling will usually cause a small number of filament migrations to occur.

The above method is effective for defining the struc: ture of an interlaced yarn but it is tedious and expensive. Furthermore, much more experience with this new yarn will be required before the structure can be accurately correlated with processing and end use properties in the manner that twist in turns per inch is used as a criterion for conventional yarn. A simple direct test of bundle coherency in interlaced yarn has been devised which will be designated the hook-drop test in the subsequent disclosure and claims. It is sufliciently rapid for control purposes. A sample of yarn is clamped in a vertical position under the tension provided by -a weight in grams which is 0.20 times the yarn denier ('but not greater than grams). A weighted hook, having a total weight in grams numerically equal to the mean denier per filament of the yarn (but Weighing not more than 10 grams), is inserted through the yarn bundle and lowered at a rate of 1 to 2 cm./second until the weight of the hook is sup? ported by the yarn. The distance which the hook has travelled through the yarn characterizes the extent of filament entanglement. The result is expressed as a coherency factor which is defined as 100 divided by the above distance in centimeters. Since filament intermingling is random in interlaced yarn a large number of samples should be tested to define a representative value for the whole yarn.

Further details of the hook-drop test are given in the examples, following Table II. For the compact interlaced yarns of this invention, the coherency factor, as defined, is at least 2.5 for lightly interlaced yarn and may exceed 1000 for the most heavily interlaced yarns. The yarns of more particular interest are those interlaced to have coherency factors within the range from 5 to 500. The highly coherent interlaced yarns are noteworthy for their end-use properties. Interlaced yarns in the range of 5 to 100 have excellent handling and running char acteristics in comparison with the conventional twisted yarns in textile processing operations. The coherency factor is from 0 to about 1 for the previously known untreated Zero twist yarns when tested as defined. Twisting increases the coherency factor, of course. Even if such twist is backed out to zero twist, this twisting and untwisting will leave a residual coherency, but the coherency test clearly distinguishes the compact interlaced yarn of this invention from previously known unbulked zero twist yarn which is free from size or other means for sticking the filaments together.

in its simplest embodiment, the apparatus of this invention comprises a fluid interlacer in combination with means for passing the yarn at controlled positive tension and with no net mechanical overfeed through the interlacing fluid. The expression net mechanizal overfeed is used to designate overfeed to compensate for the mechanical shrinkage of the threadline which comes about through the intermingling of filaments. Obviously, if it is desired to simultaneously mechanically work and/ or heat the yarn while interlacing to achieve relaxation, higher overfeed rates can he used without materially changing the bulk of the yarn. The fluid interlacer comprises a yarn passageway in combination with one or more fluid conduits positioned to direct a stream of high velocity fluid toward the yarn axis. The stream of fluid may be directed perpendicular to the yarn axis at the point of contact or it may be angled forward or backward along the yarn axis. The yarn passageway may be rectangular or circular in cross section, or it may be an open trough or slit with an axis parallel to the yarn path, or it may have any suitable cross section intermediate these configurations. The yarn passageway cross section need not be the same in form throughout.

The fluid conduits, where there are a plurality, may be disposed at intervals along the yarn passageways, may be alternately disposed at intervals along opposite sides of the yarn passageway, or may be disposed in opposed pairs along the length of the yarn passageway. Alternatively, the fluid may be supplied in a transversely uninterrupted stream having a width as great as the length of the yarn passageway. When the fluid conduits are in opposed relationship, such conduits may have a common length axis or they may be inclined with respect to the yarn axis so that both opposed conduits impose a forwarding or braking action on the threadline. The fluid conduits may be circular in cross section or of any other suitable configuration, such as rectangular, oval or the like. Any fluid substantially inert to the yarn may be employed in the process or" this invention, and air is preferred.

At high velocities, less dense fluids may serve as the interlacing agent. For compressible fluids, a fluid velocity of one-half sonic velocity is generally satisfactory for satisfactory interlacing, i.e., so that the necessary controlled fluid turbulence is achieved. It will be understood that non-compressible fluids can be used at supply pressures which provide severe velocity gradients.

In the drawings, which illustrate the invention and apparatus discussed hereinafter,

FIGURES 1, 4, 6, 8, 13 and 15 represent longitudinal views of fluid jets useful for interlacing in accordance with this invention, the cross-sections being taken along the axis of the yarn passageway except in FIG. 13, when the central axis is used,

FIGURES 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 16 represent corresponding end views of the above fluid jets, the cross-sections being tmten along the indicated lines of the preceding longitudinal vie-w,

FIGURE is a perspective view of the rotary fluidinterlacer shown in FIGURES 11 and 13, and FIGURE 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail thereof,

FIGURE 17, on an enlarged cross-sectional view of art of the thin slot jet illustrated in FIGURES 15 and 6, shows the direction and velocity gradient of fluid flow in this type of jet,

FIGURES 14 and 18-20 are similar illustrations of the direction of fluid flow in other jet constructions, and FIGURES 21, 22 and 23 illustrate corresponding types of velocity gradients,

FIGURE 24 illustrates an additional fluid eflect,

FIGURE 25 illustrates an interlaced yarn,

FIGURE 26 is a corresponding view after the yarn filaments have been opened to show entanglement,

FIGURES 27 to 29 illustrate the effect of fluid velocity gradients on filaments within an interlacing jet,

FIGURE 3G is a longitudinal view of an interlacing jet 6 having string-up slot and FIGURES 31 and 32 are crosssectional views taken on the indicated lines of FIG- URE 30.

FIGURES 33 through 38 illustrate additional forms of interlacing jets,

FIGURE 39 is a diagrammatic illustration of the process of successively drawing and interlacing yarn,

FIGURE 40 is a diagrammatic representation of interlacing yarn fed directly from a spinneret as it is formed, and

FIGURES 41-62 illustrate the laboratory procedure and equipment used to analyze the st-ructure of interlaced yarn, wherein FIGURE 41 is a general plan view of the analyzer for photographing successive cros-sections, FIGURES 42-44 illustrate equipment and steps involved in preparing specimens, FIGURE 45 shows a specimen of yarn encapsulated in plastic, FIGURES 46-48 show details or" the means provided for mounting, slicing and viewing specimens in the apparatus of FIGURE 41, and FIGURES 49-62 illustrate schematically the method of analyzing the photographic results.

In the various figures illustrating fluid interlacers, like numbers represent similar structures, even though the shape or form of that structure may vary from one figure to the next. For example, the yarn passageway is numbered 12, regardless of whether the yarn passageway is cylindrical in form, a slot, or a slot with a rounded floor, etc. The planes upon which sectional views are taken are indicated on FIGURES 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 30, 35, 43 and 46 by broken lines, the ends of which are designated by numerals corresponding to the number of the sectional view in which the cross-section is shown and have arrows applied to indicate the direction in which the view is taken.

FIGURE 1 illustrates a representative fluid interlacer 1'1 useful in this invention, containing length-wise-yarn passageway 12 which, in this embodiment, is substantially cylindrical in form throughout its length. In interlacer 11, fluid conduit 13 intercepts yarn passageway 12 at 14 at right angles to the wall thereby and positioned so that the longitudinal axis of fluid conduit 13 and yarn passageway 12 intersect perpendicularly. These relationships are seen in FIGURE 2. FIGURE 3 is a section of an interlacer similar to that of FIGURE 1 showing two opposed fluid conduits 13 and 13a having a common longitudinal axis. FIGURES 4 and 5 show an interlacer with a rectangular yarn passageway 12 (best seen in FIGURE 5). It is obvious that multiple jets may be arranged side-byside to handle individual ends of a warp sheet of yarn. Air or other fluid can be supplied via a suitable manifold arrangement.

FIGURES 6 and 7 show views of the interlacer of FIGURES 1-2 modified to include circumferential restriction 19. Restriction 1? or its substantial equivalent serves to direct exhausting fluid preferentially toward the yarn inlet or exit, depending on its direction of travel. In the case of countercurrent fluid flow, such directed exhausting permits enhanced opening of the yarn bundle prior to its encountering the zone of controlled fluid turbulence; conversely, cocurrent flow facilitates maintenance of controlled positive tension on the yarn during its passing the turbulent zone. FIGURES 3 and 9 show an interlacer with two sets of opposed fluid conduits 13 and 13' spaced longitudinally along the yarn passageway. An interlacer which facilitates bundle opening is shown in FIGURES 10, 11, 12 and 13. FIGURE 11 showsan end-on view of wheel interlacer 11 containing rectangular yarn passageway 12 which is a circumferential slot in the outer periphery of the interlacer, and which is interrupted by eight fluid outlets 14, 14a, etc., disposed radially about the wheel, alternately on opposite sides of the 2? passageway 12. These details are seen in FIGURE 13. Each of the fluid conduits 13, 13a, etc., feeding outlets I4- communicate with common supply duct 17, which is within hollow shaft 3, supported by bearings 24 in housing 25. Housing 25 is interrupted at threaded opening 25 to admit fluid. The apparatus is thereby rotatable but is fed a continuous supply of fluid at all times.

FIGURE 10 is a pictorial view of wheel interlacer 11 as it is positioned for operation. FIGURE 12 shows an enlarged cross section of the yarn passageway and a fluid conduit. In operation, yarn 27 encounters interlacer 11 as shown, making a partial wrap thereabout. The angle of wrap, A, is preferably between about 60 degrees and about 150 degrees. Interlacer 11 is rotated through shaft 3 at a predetermined peripheral speed which is a function of the yarn speed. Thus, its action on the yarn approximates that of static multiple fluid conduits but, by virtue of the adjustable relativity of wheel and yarn speeds, the interlacing density can be made variable along the length of the yarn, or, in the case of comparable wheel and yarn speeds, can be made exceedingly dense. The use of wheel interlacer 11 permits production of fairly dense interlaced product at high yarn speeds. By increasing the number of fluid outlets, a further increase in interlace density is made possible. Numerous products having random variation of interlace density are prepared at each yarn-to-wheel speed ratio.

In operation, the interlacer I1 is positioned intermediate suitable yarn forwarding means, i.e., means capable of advancing the yarn through the interlacer at controlled positive tension. Preferaby, interlacing is carried out as an adjunct to one or more of the common textile operations, such as spinning and/or drawing, packaging, etc., thereby taking advantage of existing suitable yarn-forwarding means. In a typical operation, the interlacer is continuously supplied with air under pressure which is directed into yarn passageway 12 through fluid conduits 13. The air on entering the yarn passageway forms velocity gradients wherein the gradients are most abrupt in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the running yarn. The controlled fluid turbulence which derives from these procedures causes the yarn bundle to be opened (the filaments separated), the extent depending on the yarn tension and the fluid velocity or pressure, and, simultaneously, or subsequently, causes the individual filaments to be twisted and intermingled in a purely random manner to produce a compact interlaced yarn with a very stable consolidated structure which permits the yarn to be handled as a unitary strand in the same manner as a true twist yarn.

FIGURE 15 shows another embodiment of fluid interlacer which is of the slot type. FIGURE 16 is a crosssectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIGURE 15, and FIGURE 17 shows the fluid velocity profile in the fiuid stream of the device shown in FIGURES l and 16.

Referring to FIGURES l4, l8, l9 and 20, formation of multiple fluid vortices in the various yarn passageways is shown by the arrows originating at 10. FIGURE 18 shows the two vortices which are formed in rectangular yarn passageway 12; FIGURE l9 shows the two vortices which are present in a cylindrical yarn passageway. In FIGURE 20, four vortices are seen to exist in a cylindrical yarn passageway intercepted by opposed fluid conduits; a similar eifect also takes place in a rectangular passageway or a rectangular one having a rounded floor. In this latter case,'the four vortices are symmetrical as shown when the fluid emerging from the two fluid conduits is maintained at about the same pressure. The effect of the quadruple vortices can be reinforced by use of a second pair of opposed fluid conduits displaced along the yarn axis. One arrangementof oppositely directed conduits is 7 shown in FIGURES '3032. A rectangular or slot-shaped yarn passageway 12 is intercepted by six fluid conduits 13, 13a, etc., positioned alternately on opposite sides along the length of the yarn slot, as shown in longitudinal view 30. The construction at one of these positions, corresponding to a cross-section taken on line 3232, is shown in FIGURE 32 with the interlacer fully assembled for operation. The fluid passes through conduit 13 and exhausts into yarn slot IZthrough a feeding outlet 14 drilled perpendicular to the slot. provided to keep the yarn centered over outlet 14. These pins are held in place by retaining means 16 and can be withdrawn during string-up, which is then readily accomplished because the yarn slot is open at the top. In the construction shown, outlet 14 is drilled from outsidethe slot and the opening away from the slot is sealed by retaining means 16. Opposed pairs of conduits can be arranged in a similar manner.

The arrangement shown in FIGURE 14 is highly eifective. It is preferred that a snubbing guide be positioned immediately upstream from an interlacer of the type shown in FIGURE 19 in order to curb whole bundle twist buildup, but such means ordinarily are not needed when using an interlacer having opposed fluid conduits as shown in FIGURE 14 or 20.

It is possible to form multiple fluid vortices by taking advantage of the so-called Von Karman eflect. Referring to FIGURE 24, a stream of fluid directed lengthwise through yarn passageway 12 from fluid conduit 13 encounters'fixed cylindrical pin 23 and, downstream from the pin, multiple vortices are formed.

The rotary or other motion of the fluid in the passages of FIGURES 18, 19 and 20 may be examined in terms of velocity gradients as depicted in FIGURES 21, 22 and 23, respectively. The planes or lines XX are zero lines from which are plotted vectors V, V, V", etc., which represent the velocity of the fluid stream at any given point; the curves Till plotted at the extremitiesiof the vectors, show typical velocity gradients in the moving fluid. It will be seen that the gradient is quite steep in some regions, such as those near the edges of a moving fluid shown by points 195. to 162; in this case the velocity drops from some finite value to zero. Where two adjacent fluid streams move in opposite directions, gradients may be even more steep and velocity reversals will occur as shown by points 103 to 104 (zero velocity) to 1&5. In other regions, suchas the center of a given stream, the velocity gradient is relatively flat (i.e., near constant velocity) such as in the region from points 1'56 to 107. In the case of a narrow slot jet of the type shown in FIGURES l5 and 16, where fluid in an uninterrupted stream is ad mitted along one entire edge of the slot, the fluid velocity is generally unidirectional; however, FIGURE 17 shows the steep velocity gradients that exist.

The behavior of the individual filaments of a yarn bundle in the fluid stream can be considerably different, since the action of the fluid is dependent upon the location of a filament in the fluid stream as illustrated schematically in FIGURES 2729 by plotting vectors V to V on curves 1% and 11-1. Obviously, a greater torque is exerted on the filament 109, which is nearer theflow boundary, than on the intermediate filament r168, because of the greater velocity differential across the filament. FIGURE 28 indicates this by velocity vectors. The torque on filament 1109 may be further augmented by rolling contact with a solid boundary, i.e., the jet'wal l. Contrarywise, a filament '11'9 which is located generally in the center of a given stream, will not be subjected to torque because it is acted upon by portions of the'fluid stream having substantially equal velocities on each side ofthe filament, but will be moved from place toplace.

Referring to FIGURES l4 and 18, separate filaments 9, 9a, 9b, etc., of the opened yarn bundle are shown as they are disposed within the zone of controlled fluid turbulence of the interlacer. Filament 9a is subjected to the clockwise rotation of the one vortex while filament 9b is being revolved in the opposite direction by the counterclockwise rotation of the other vortex. At the same time, many of the fllaments in the bundle will be twisted in one Guide pins 15 and are direction or the other by the torques discussed above. In addition to revolving and twisting, the filaments also move at varying velocities relative to each other and are thrown in amongst one another in what amounts to an intermingling process. In FIGURE 18, for example, filament 9c is about to be abruptly forced between filaments moving at difierent velocities. If it contacts a filament which has received a different twist, intertwisting of the filaments may also occur as the twist unwinds. The summation of the various actions and interactions believed to exist at the filament level results in the formation of the interlaced yarn structure, shown under normal conditions in FIGURE 25, and opened up under a static charge of 25,000 volts in FIGURE 26 in order to illustrate the nature of the filament intermingling.

The following terms will be applied to the difierent modes of filament behavior which occur when the filaments are exposed to the fluid streams:

('l) Splaying; i.e., movement of flaments away from other filaments or generally away from the bundle axis.

(2) Filament rotation; i.e., rotation of a given filament about its own axis (filament twisting).

(3) Filament revolution; i.e., movement of the filament about some other axis such as another filament or group of filaments, with or without rotation of the given filament about its own axis.

(4) "Bundle rotation; i.e., twisting of the yarn about its axis.

(5) Migration; i.e., movement of the filament from place to place without regard to direction (not limited to splaying); in the course of migrating, a given filament may or may not inter-lace or co-act with other filaments.

(6) Similarly, the entire bundle of filaments or some fraction of the bundle of filaments, called a group of filaments, may rotate, revolve or migrate; when the behavior of a filament bundle or group is discussed it will be understood that a substantial fraction of the filaments (if not all of the filaments) comprising that bundle or that group behave in like fashion.

(7) cranking; i.e., revolution of a filament bundle or group about an axis other than its own axis.

'(8) May-poling; i.e., interlacing of filaments when revolved at difierent speeds about a common axis passing through a yarn section, an action analogous to the Mayday dance in which ribbons attached to a pole are twisted randomly about it.

Splaying can be accomplished by centrifugal action induced by high speed rotation of an entire bundle or a subgroup arising from rotary action of the fluid stream; however, in a situation where the fluid stream itself is not rotating, rotation of the bundle or sub-groups of the bundle may still occur by virtue of the existence of steep velocity gradients. The splaying which occurs permits other bundle actions and filament actions to occur; it should be noted that these actions can occur concurrently with the splaying or can occur subsequent to the splaying.

There are two distinguishable forms of the general interlaced product. In the periodically interlaced type, the entire bundle is interlaced at particular cross-sections of the threadline, but the interlaced sections are separated by non-interlaced sections to provide a periodic variation in structure which may be either random or substantially regular along the threadline. This is easily observable through a microscope, but is not readily apparent to the unaided eye. In the other type, at any one cross-section, a number of filaments of the total is interlaced and the remaining filaments at that cross-section are not; proceeding mong the thread'line, other groups of filaments are seen to be interlaced where those that were interlaced in the preceeding cross-section are not. On the filament level, the non-uniformaties in this latter product can be observed with a microscope; but to the unaided eye the product is uniform.

Interlacing of the above types can occur in various ways of which the most useful process for producing the periodically interlaced product is believed to be one which involves the action defined above as May-poling. The threadline is fed through a jet so that it remains in a powerful vortex flow for sufiicient time'to rotate the filament bundle at high velocity, causing the filaments to fly apart from each other. The filaments revolve at different speeds about the bundle axis because of different fluid velocities at different locations in the vortex. This latter action results in interlacing of filaments and group of filaments. By continuing this action to the point where the filaments upstream from the jet become interlaced to such an extent that they are no longer capable of separating as they enter into the flow, then this interlaced section will proceed as a coherent bundle through the vortex flow. Vfhile this structure is being produced upstream from the flow, a mirror image is also produced downstream. Both of these interlaced sections then proceed from the jet toward the package. The interlaced sections are produced much more readily when at least two different groups of filaments of the bundle are passed through difierent fluid vortices which rotate in opposite directions as illustrated in FIGURES l4 and 18.

The period of the variation in interlacking intensity along the yarn may be as short as inch or less, but can also be several feet in length. Preterred conditions will provide a periodicity ranging from about /2 to 6 inches. Under otherwise comparable conditions the periodicity will be shortened by increasing the temperature of the fluid vortex or the yarn, by increasing the amount of finish on the filaments treated provided that there is not such an excess as to prevent filament separation, or even by merely wetting the filaments. An extremely tight interlacing can be provided by the use of heated fluid in the jet, as illustrated in runs 70-75 (Table TX). The temperature need not be high enough to provide any physical change discernable in the filaments after treatment, e.g., this treatment can be accomplished without crimping or changes in crystallinity.

The product having a substantially continuous interlace is produced by controlling the interlacing of the separated groups of filaments so that the May-poling action does not proceed to the point where periodicity occurs. This is accomplished by insuring that the yarn is traversed through the flow so that any one group of filaments does not remain too long in one vortex. As an example, if the yarn is traversed at high speed through a high velocity jet stream, the individual filaments and groups of filaments that first come in contact with the flow will be violently separated from the main bundle. As additional filaments and groups of filaments enter this jet stream they will also be separated from the main bundle. The filaments that first separate from the bundle are traversed through the jet stream to other regions oi the flow before the last filaments of the bundle enter the flow. It is seen that, in traversing through a jet stream, some of the filaments will be on one side of the stream where the velocity gradient will cause rotation in one direction, while other filaments on the other side of the jet stream will be rotated in the opposite direction. A similar result is achieved when the jet is used to cause some of the filaments and groups of filaments to roll along a solid boundary While others traverse the jet without being rotated in this way. The filaments may also migrate between groups so that the individual filaments in a group in one part of the vortex may be part of two or more groups in another part of the vortex further downstream.

The motion of the filaments through the stream for the above purpose can be induced by several means. The bundle can be traversed by many well-known mechanical means so that the filaments and groups of filaments will successively pass through the flow or so that they will successively roll on the boundary surface. Alternatively, the yarn bundle can be made to rotate or oscillate by pneumatic means. One example of this would be providing a yarn tension and guiding arrangement that enl l deavors to maintain the threadline in the middle of a high velocity flow while the high velocity flow endeavors to keep the yarn out of that region; a self-induced oscillation will result.

in general; any of the interlacing mechanisms discussed may take place, at least to some extent, when using any of the jets disclosed under suitable conditions. The effect of process conditions will be discussed subsequently. Even under a particular set of operating conditions, consideration of the interlacing action is complicated by more than one form of filament intermingling occurring at the same time in difierent parts of the filament bundle; in addition, the same filaments may be subjected to first one and then another action in random fashion along their lengths. This will be simplified by r'ocussing attention on the interlacing mechanism believed to predominate in a particular method. Under the conditions of the specific examples described in the specification, the periodic interlacing mechanism may be understood to predominate in those runs which illustrate the use of air at pressures higher than about 20 pounds per square inch with yarn tensions of 0.25 gram per denier or less. Self-induced oscillation was also present in many of the runs but under these conditions was not sufiiciently fast nor regular to avoid the formation of whole bundle interlace that result in a periodic product. However, a single vortex jet moves the yarn bundle into and out of the jet stream at sufficient speed and with sufiiciently high'irequency for the more continuous product to result. In the interlacer of FIGURE 34 and the thin slot jet of FIGURE 16, the rolling of filaments and small groups of filaments adjacent to a boundary surface also contributes to the uni form interlace in the product.

When using the thin-slot type of jet illustrated in FIG- URES and 16, wherein unidirectional fiuid flow exists and the slot width is of a dimension smaller than that of the average threadline diameter, the entering threadline is separated into a ribbon-like form and filaments and subgroups of filaments are forced to move randomly over the boundaries of the slot. A self-induced vibration of the threadline results when fiuid forces attempt to push the filaments or subgroups of filaments out of the slot against tension forces, and tension forces tend to push the filaments into the slot against the fiuid forces. Alternating filament rotation is inserted in the filaments and subgroups of filaments randomly due to the rolling action that exists along the boundaries resulting in a uniform interlace. In this type of jet, the fiuid preferably operates simultaneously on a length of yarn of from A1 to 5" or more. the yarn is splayed prior to its entrance into the jet.

FIGURE 38 is another illustration of an interlacer in which fluid vortices are formed in the yarn passageway by fiuid entering this passageway from opposite sides, that is, through conduits l3, 13:1,and 13b.

The process of this invention desirably is carried out in conjunction with one or more of the conventional textile operations, such as spinning, drawing, Winding, packaging, or the like, thereby taking full advantage or" existing means for forwarding the yarn at controlled positive tension and obviating the need for a separate interlacing step. FIGURE 40 illustrates an assembly of apparatus whereby yarn may be continuously interlaced during the spinning operation; FIGUH 39 shows apparatus useful for interlacing as a part of the drawing operation. in both figures, interlacing takes place prior to yarn packaging; therefore, the package to be prepared may be utilized without having to divert it through separate twisting. Referring to FIGURE 40, the filaments 28 issuing from spinneret 29 converge at guide 39 into yarn 27, to which finish is applied (means not shown) prior to passing the nip rolls 31, which serve as forwarding means to the interlacer ll. interlacing may also precede application of finish, if desired, or finishing may be omitted altogether. The interlacer can be used in place of guide 3% to accom- The effectiveness of such a jet is enhanced when plish convergence. After interlacing with any one or more of the above-described apparatus, yarn 27 passes feed roll 32 and then to the takeup point, backwindable package 33 driven by drive roll 34. FIGURE 39 illustrates the string-up assembly whereby interlacing occurs immediately after drawing and prior to packaging. In accordance with this embodiment, undrawn yarn 27 is withdrawn from package 35, passes through pigt-ail guide 39, then is passed in multiple wraps about driven feed roll 36 and its associated separator roll 37. In a highly preferred embodiment, yarn is supplied directly to guide 3% from a spinning position (see FIGURE 40) rather than a package. From feed roll 36 the undrawn yarn makes one or more wraps about a snubbing pin 33 and is drawn in frictional contact therewith under the urging of draw roll se and its associated separator roll 4% Draw roll 39, of course, has a higher peripheral speed than feed roll 36, whence the yarn is elongated to several times its original length. From draw roll 39', which serves as the feed point, the yarn passes'to interlacer 11, is interlaced as described hereinabove, then passes idler roll 32 to the package 33 driven by drive roll 34. Conventional reciprocaiting traversing means (not shown) are usually associated with both the FIGURE 39 and FIGURE 49 windup assemblies. The interlacing operation also may be effected during repackaging operations, such as during beaming. in fact, the nature of the interlacing process permits its practice at practically any stage of textile handling.

In any continuous operation, it is of considerable advantage to utilize an interlacer of the self-stringing variety. The slotted interlacers of FIGURES 4-5 are, of course, self-stringing. A particularly desirable self-stringing interlacer is shown in FIGURES 36 and 37, where interlacer 11 has a cylindrical yarn passageway 12. [am passageway 12 is intersected by two pairs of fluid conduits 13a-l3b and 13c13d, each pair having a common longitudinal axis, the two axes being disposed at right angles, one to the other. The fluid conduit pairs l3al3b and l.3cl3d are spaced laterally as shown; both form the similar quadruple vortices (see FIGURE 20), hence their separate eifects tend to reinforce one another. The string-up slot 41 extends the length of the interlacer and permits facile string-up with minimum loss of controlled fluid turbulence. The action or the fluid serves to curtain the string-up slot so that there is little likelihood of the yarn blowing out of yarn passageway 12 through slot 41. Other embodiments of self-stringing interlacers also can be designed to suit particular circumstances.

The yarn-forwarding means associated with the fluid interlacer of this invention should be capable of advancing the yarn at controlled speed and tension and zero net overfced, in order that the interlaced product exhibit good uniformity. Ordinarily, adequate control is provided by cooperating rolls located up and downstream from the interlacer, such as draw roll 39 and take-up roll 34 in FIGURE 39, or nip rolls 31, and take-up roll 34 in FIGURE 40. By adjusting the relative peripheral speeds of these rolls, controlled and uniform yarn speed and tension can be achieved. For the most uniform operations, net overfeed to the interlacer must be sufficiently low to prevent the formation of substantial numbers of filament loops, and slippage of the yarn on the advancing means is to be avoided. Such slippage is avoidable by well-known prior art procedures, involving the use of cooperating separator rolls (roll 4%) in FIGURE 39), nip rolls, multiple yarn warps, and the like. Optionally, control of yarn speed and tension may be effected by use of upstream tensioning means, such as a tension gate, and downstream advancing means, such as driven rolls, etc. In some cases, it is advantageous to utilize guide means, such as eyelets, immediately up and downstream from the interlacer. Alternatively, the guide means may be within the interlacing device (see FIG- URES 30, 31, 32); in some cases ha ing yarn guides within the interlacing device approximately up and/or downstream from the air passage has been shown to improve the product in terms of uniformity. These guides serve generally to stabilize the yarn line, to provide accurate alignment in the interlacer, and to minimize fluctuations in the yarn line caused by exhausting fluid or downstream reciprocation at the windup. The latter effects are further dampened by the use of an auxiliary guide and/or feed means, such as idler roll 32 shown in both FIGURES 39 and 40. Other auxiliary apparatus refinements may be employed as required in specific applications, e.g., means to forward and guide two or more ends of yarn to a single interlacer during plying, etc., or intermediate guide means to be used in multiple or serial interlacing.

The optimum design of a specific interlacing jet depends to an appreciable extent on process and product variables such as tension, fluid pressure, overfeed, yarn denier, degree of interlacing desired, yarn speed and the like. Interlacer dimensions should be as small as practicable to conserve interlacing fluid and to concentrate the zone and eflect of the controlled fluid turbulence. The yarn passageway of the fluid interlacer should have an internal diameter or width of 2 to 100 times the yarn diameter. For textile deniers, this will usually be between about 0.002 inch and about 0.4 inch, and preferably between abc-ut 0.015 inch and 0.975 inch. in tl e thin slot type of jet the width of the slot may be of the rder of 1 /2 of the unmodified yarn diameter. Yarn passageways, of course, can be intermediate between the cylindrical rectangular and their cross-sectional areas at initial point of contact between the yarn and the fluid stream should preferably correspond to areas of circles having the above diameters.

The length of yarn passageway may be widely varied, and can be less than its width (or diameter). Breferably, the yarn passageway will be about 2 to times its diameter or width mid should not normally be more than times its diameter. Longer yarn passageways can be used usually in combination with more than one fluid conduit and frequently it will be desirable to have one or more exhaust ports to release interlacing fluid and minimize back pressures. A series of unitary interlacers will normally be preferred over a single interlacer with multiple fluid conduits and a long passageway. For an interlacer with a single fluid conduit or a of opposed fluid conduits the length of the yarn passageway should preferably be from about 0.1 inch to 1.0 inch. The above considerations do not generally apply to the thin slot type of jet; for this jet the slot length in the direction of yarn travel may be as much as 560 times the width of the yarn passage and is preferably in the order of 6.5 to 5 inches long.

The area of the fluid conduit is usually less than the area of the yarn passageway at the point of interception except for the thin slot type jet where the area of the fluid conduit is substantially equal to the cross sectional area of the slot measured in a plane transverse to the slot and parallel to the direction of yarn travel. The same relationship holds in the case of either conduit of an opposed pair, where, in addition, the areas of the conduits are preferably equal to each other at the point of interception with the yarn passageway. The ratio of the area of the yarn passageway to the area of the fluid conduit should be from about 1:1 to about 6:1, although in the case of slot jets, e.g., Fl-GURl-ZS 36-32, the area ratio can be much higher.

The yarn passageway in the fluid conduit may be cylindrical in shape, but either or both may be oter than circular in cross section, and either may be varied in area and cross-sectional from throughout its length. Another variation is a yarn passageway which is a rectangular slot or a rectangular slot with a rounded floor, intercepted by a circular fluid conduit or plurality of conduits.

The yarn passageway may also be a slit between two opposed planes which may or may not be enclosed along one side of the yarn passageway. The fluid conduit(s) will intercept the yarn passageway along the center line of the yarn travel.

In operation, yarn will pass through a yarn passageway such that its axis generally coincides with that of the passageway if the latter is cylindrical, or is parallel and equidistant from the sides of a slot-.ike yarn passageway. lndividual fluid conduits may be inclined from the perpendicular up to 66 or more. Fluid conduits may be opposed, i.e., of a number of longitudinal axis or they may assert a simultaneous forwarding or braking action.

on the yarn, or again they may be positioned so that one forwards while the other brakes the running yarn. When several fluid conduits are utilized in a number of yarn assageways, it is preferred that there is a lateral spacing between each conduit which is at least as great as the mean diameter of adjacent fluid conduits, or the substantial equivalent it they are not circular. The prime concern is optimization of the interlacing process.

For a given interlacing jet, the process variables that aiiect the efficiency of interlacing a particular yarn appear to be yarn tension and speed, temperature and pressure or velocity of the interlacing fluid and overfeed of yarn to the interlacer. For the best interlaced product, there should be essentially no mechanical overfeed of yarn to the interlacer. That is, yarn should be withdrawn from the interlacer at about the same rate as it :is supplied thereto. What rlittle overfeed is used when treatin with room temperature fluid will be that small amo ceded to compensate for the shortening of the threadl-ine through the interlacing of the filaments. Of course, as the high temperature fluid or a plasticizing agent is utilized, the overfeed can be increased beyond these normal limits to allow the individual filaments to shrink.

The above variables determine the character of the interlaced product. They are, generally speaking, variables which may be controlled independently, e.g., an increase in tension may be oil-set by a suflicient increase in fluid pressure and vice versa. Similarly, an increase in yarn speed may be counteracted by a decrease in tension, an increase in fluid pressure or both.

Any fluid substantially inert toward the yarn may be used as the interlacing agent, with air at room temperature being highly preferred. The fluid may be either a liquid or gas at the temperature of operation, but inert gaseous materials, such as steam, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc., are preferred. The fluid may be heated or refrigerated, as desired. Steam, theated gases, or fluids which are solvents for the yarn may be employed where the extent of their plasticizing action, if any, is not harmful. Mixtures of fluids may also be used if desired. The fluid may contain various additives such as water, finish, yarn lubricants or the like.

In general, the interlacing fluid should reach a velocity of at least /4 sonic, and preferably about /2 sonic velocity or more, immediately prior to impinging upon the yarn, order to provide substantial fluid turbulence. At higher velocities, less dense fluids may be employed. Air at pressures from about 1 p.s.i.g. to about p.s.i.g. or higher are suitable, the optimum pressure being determined by the jet design, yarn speed, yarn tension and other conditions discussed below. At high tensions, pressures of 5 to p.s.-i.g. or higher may be preferred for the majority of interl acer jets. Lower pressures can be used at lower tensions. The thin slot jet is preferably operated at pressures in the range of #1 to 25 p.s.i.g.

The speed of the yarn during interlacing determines the time interval during which the yarn is subjected to the action of the interlacer, and as a result, controls the extent of interlacing, other factors being equal. However, the yarn speed actually does not limit the process,

since m increase in fluid pressure or a decrease in yarn tension or both will compensate for high speeds. In fact, the instant process may be operated at speeds as high as 5600 yards per minute or more with excellent results. As pointed out hereinabove, it is preferred that the yarn speed be controlled, for the sake of product uniformity. it is also possible to prepare a yarn having variable lengthwise interlacing density by systematically varying the yarn speed, fluid pressure or tension while maintaining the other variables at fixed values. Such a yarn may be useful in the preparation of novelty fabrics, etc.

Control of yarn tension is important. If the tension 'is too high, suflicient bundle opening may be prevented,

hence the product may be only moderately interlaced. (En the ther hand, if the yarn tension is too low, i.e., the yarn ovcried to the interl-acer, or is allowed to become slack within the zone of controlled fluid turbulence, the product may lack permanency of structure, and may contain so many loops, crimps, and other such conformations that the yarn becomes bulky. Accordingly, the yarn must be maintained under controlled positive tension and without net mechanical overfeed during interlacing. Tension should be controlled to an extent sufficient to assure uniformity of the product. The avoidance of too low tension may be accomplished as hereinabove described, by adjustment of the relative speeds of the forwarding and take-up rolls, etc. It is desirable for the purpose of this invention that the tension in the yarn bundle during interlacing be less than about 0.65 g.p.-d. and preferably less than about 0.1 g.p.d., but not less than about 0.01 g.p.d. to 0.02 g.p.d. to avoid the possibility of slackness. At about 0.05 g.p.d. to 0.10 g.p.d. tension and with not net mechanical overfeed, optimum interlacing is achieved for most textile denier yarns, and the product is firmly established and locked in during processing.

if a product having variable interlace density or containing segments of little or no interlacing is needed, reduced and/or varying tensions may be desirable. A novel yarn having increased bulk can be produced during plying by feeding the component yarns to the interlacer at different tensions, so that one component is interlaced to a lesser extent than the other(s). in such a process, the yarn under the greatest tension becomes the loadbearing member, while the yarn(s) under less tension are interlaced about this member in the manner of a loose sheath, thereby determining the surface character, hand, etc., of the plied yarn. Also, by the similar techniques, a plied yarn having greatly enhanced bulk is prepared by feeding one component yarn slack or by overfeeding that component, so that the sheath is comprised of loops, whorls, etc. Such a yarn exhibits the structural retentivity characteristic of a typical interlaced yarn, but has the bulk and hand of a textured yarn. Preferably, the sheath component need not be expensive nor be as tenacious as the load-bearing or core yarn. During any interlacing-plying openation, the feed yarns may be colored differently or have diderential mechanical properties, e.g., shrinkage, so that the resultant plied structures exhibit interesting novelty effects together with enhanced utility.

If yarn tension is too high and/or the fluid pressure is too low to achieve the desired degree of interlacing, it is often possible to alleviate such difiiculties by plastioizing the yarn prior to the interlacing step. Such plasticizing may be accomplished in some cases merely by wetting and/ or heatin the yarn, or by the application of solutions of chemical plasticizers. Often the presence of residual solvent in the yarn is suflicient for this purpose. Where heating is employed, means such as a hot pin or pipe, a steam tube, an oven, a hot liquid bath, infrared heaters and the like may be employed. Naturally, the yarn should not be heated to an extent deleterious to its structure.

The nature of the yarn being interlaced determines to some extent the density of interlacing in products, depending on the bending and torsional moduli of the filaments. Since these moduli are temperature dependent, interlacing takes place more readily at elevated temperatures, as indicated earlier. The yarn finish also influences the extent of interlacing, since the over-all phenomenon is believed also to depend on interfilament friction. Where the interfilament friction is high, such as is the case when the finish application is incomplete or when the yarn tension is at a high level, the interlaced configuration is not propagated to an appreciable extent along the length yarn axis, up and downstream from the interlacer, and there is observed in addition a concomitant decrease in interlacing density. The degree of interlacing may be increased by increasing the number of fluid jets acting upon the yarn, by placing the jets closer together and by increasing the density of the fluid utilized. The effect of filament-tofilament friction can be overcome by an increase in fluid pressure or a decrease in yarn tension. The interlacing density is seen to increase with such changes. The propagation distance and hence the interlacing density also increase with lower denier per filament and increased bundle opening, which attends an increase in fluid pressure, a decrease in tension, or by use of directed exhausting of the fluid, e.g., when utilizing the apparatus of FIGURES 13, 14, or 15.

An as-produced interlaced multifilament yarn usually is free from loops, crimps, whorls, and the like filament configurations, is exceptionally cohesive, and exhibits handling and running characteristics at least the equal to those of the conventional true twisted yarns having /2 turn per inch (t.p.i.) or more. By virtue of the twisted and intermingled filaments in the yarn bundle, an interlaced yarn is stable under tension even when subjected to conventional hot or cold drawing operations. Consequently, the interlaced structure is essentially retained throughout most of the conventional textile operations and is fully the equal of and in some cases superior to true twist yarns in performance.

The retentiveness of structure of interlaced yarns of this invention is even further enhanced by tensioning. Although rarely necessary, the interlaced structure'can be set by various methods. In the case of upstream plasticizing, setting takes place upon cooling the yarn and/ or removal of plasticizer. Sufficient cooling to cause a satisfactory set takes place in the vicinity of the interlacer, owing to the presence of exhausting fluid. Volatile plasticizers are also removed in this manner. Such setting is beneficial in instances Where subsequent retensioning is not anticipated and/or process tension during interlacing is of a relatively low order. The interlaced structure may be mechanically ct by incorporating a high shrinkage component in the yarn, then subsequently heating, steaming, or boiling the yarn to induce shrinkage of that component. When such shrinkage takes place, the bundle interlace is enhanced as in retensioning, with the low shrinkage component bulking to some extent. If the total yarn composition exhibits appreciable uniform shrinkage, then upon shrinking, the interlace becomes more permanent without such bulking, the effect being analogous to tensioning. When it is desired to interlace a low denier yarn which lacks mechanical strength, i.e., one which is likely to be degraded or otherwise damaged by the process, it is possible to incorporate a supporting component in the yarn. Such a supporting component is later removed, by heating or dissolving it out, and the remaining yarn is retensioned to provide the desired product. This method is practiced, for example, with very fine yarns or yarns having a high filament count to denier ratio. The supporting yarn could be cellulose acetate, which is readily soluble in acetone. Similarly, an infusible yarn can be supported by one which is readily fusible.

Many novelty yarns can be prepared by introducing staple fibers during the interlacing of filament yarn. Such fibers can be introduced through a hopper situated near the interlacer, but preferably are introduced through the fluid conduit or an auxiliary conduit which opens into the zone of controlled fluid turbulence. The staple fibers may be slurried in the interlacing fluid, or merely introduced into the turbulent zone. The fibers are interlaced into the filament yarn bundle, and substantially permanently retained. The resulting yarn has the appearance and hand of a staple or spun yarn, with cohesiveness, retentivity, and mechanical properties characteristic of an interlaced yarn. Thus, the benefits of both staple and filament yarns are achieved in a single structure.

The process of this invention enables the production of an interlaced yarn which has handling and running characteristics at least the equal of true twisted yarn. The process can be used to interlace, ply or blend, staple or continuous filament yarns, the product novelty items such as variable denier yarns, slub yarns, thick and thin yarns, etc. It can be practiced with intermittency of the process variables to produce a yarn of varying interlacing density, or with non-homogeneous structures to produce a bulky structure. The simplicity of this process permits its use at any point in yarn manufacturing or winding with no interruption of processing routine and little outlay for new equipment. Distinct process advantages are that it requires little supervision or maintenance, and does not demand temperature or humidity control.

The products of this invention can be prepared from any natural or synthetic filamentary material. Exemplary materials include polyamides, e.g., poly(epsilon caproamide) and poly(hexamethylene adipamide); cellulose esters, e.g., cellulose acetate; polyesters, particularly polyesters of terephthalic acid or isophthalic acid and a lower glycol, e. g., poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(hexahydro-p-xylylene terephthalate); polyalkylenes, e.g., polyethylene, linear polypropylene, poly(tetrafluoro ethylene), etc., polyvinyls and polyacrylics, e.g., polyacrylonitrile, as well as copolymers of acrylonitrile and other copolymerizable monomers can be used. It is useful with elastomeric structures since the interlacing provides a compact unitary structure without appreciably decreasing the elasticity of the yarn, and can be produced at low operating tensions. Yarns useful in this process include those having Y, cruciform, propeller, or otherwise modified cross sections. Also, filaments comprising poly(etl1- ylene-2,6-naphthalate); poly(tetrachlorodiphenylol propane isophthalate); the polyester reaction product of ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid and dibenzoic acid; the polyamide from bis(p-aminocyclohexyl)rnethane and azelaic acid; the block copolym r from poly(hexamethylene adipamide) and poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide); poly(hexamethylene adipamide) containing a phenol formaldehyde resin; and poly(m-xylylene adipamide) to name a few. Such yarns interlace at a high rate due to their irregular surface and increased surface area. Yarn to be interlaced may contain any of the usual textile additives, e.g., delusterants, antioxidants, etc., and may be finished in accordance with accepted practice. Although quite a wide range of yarn denier and filament count may be used, when extremely large or small yarn bundles are interlaced, interiacer dimensions should be adjusted according to the foregoing discussion. Natural fibers such as wool, cotton, asbestos, silk or fiber glass and metallic filaments may also be used.

The apparatus of this invention is inexpensive, requires little maintenance, requires no moving or rotating parts, minimizes yarn contact (no yarn degradation), is practically instantaneous in its action, and is very economical to operate. Moreover, such interlacers are readily adapted to operate on extremely close centers, as required in warp interlacing. Such interlacers are simple to fabricate, requiring only drilling in many cases.

The interlaced yarn of this invention is useful in all applications which require a twisted yarn, i.e., those in which the handling and running characteristics of nominal zero-twist yarn are not satisfactory. An interlaced yarn can be prepared rapidly and continuously, and the interlaced structure is stable and resists removal by application of tension. Numerous novelty yarns may be prepared by plying or blending staple filament yarns during interlacing, these effects being amplified where the component yarns are of different colors or properties. Interlaced yarn processes normally, and can be sized, set, packaged, woven, knitted, and twisted like any other yarn. Use in a tow of yarn permits subsequent breakdown of the tow into the component yarns, after washing, drying, drawing, dyeing by virtue of the end consolidation provided by the interlacing. Most important, it can be producedat about the same cost as conventional zero-twist yarn. Further advantages inherent in the use of the product, process, and apparatus of this invention will readily occur to those undertaking its practice.

The feed yarn will normally be zero-twist yarn directly from producers spinning and/ or drawing operation. This interlacing process can also be used, however, to upgrade producer twist or other levels of twist. For example, it will frequently be desired to take a 3 t.p.i. or /2 t.p.i. producer yarn or 2 /2 t.p.i. bucket rayon and interlace to a degree that the running properties are equivalent to yarns having 5 to 10 t.p.i. or higher.

To a certain degree at room temperature and to a much greater degree at elevated temperature, the process of this invention can be used to achieve a dynamic relaxation of the yarn. But even at room temperature, this dynamic working of the yarn tends to even out nonuniforrnity in structure and yarn dyeing variations without any cross-sectional configuration distortions.

The following examples illustrate various methods of producing interlaced yarns in accordance with this invention, and show the effects of varying yarn tension, air pressure, yarn speed, etc., on the density of interlacing observed in the product. In all examples, yarn is passed through the interlacer without net mechanical overfeed. The conditions and results of these tests are given in Table l in which the interlacers are identified as follows:

Interlacer A is shown in FIGURES 30 and 31 and has a rectangular or slotwise yarn passageway which is 3 /2" in length, and A" deep, intercepted by six fluid conduits alternately spaced on /2" centers along the length of the yarn passageway, each of the fluid conduits having its longitudinal axis & from the floor of the yarn passageway.

Interlacer B is shown in FIGURES l and 3, is A" in length, and is intercepted at its lengthwise midpoint by a pan of opposed (180) fluid conduits.

Interlacer C, shown in FIGURES 8 and 9, is /2 in length, and is intercepted A3" from each end by 2 pairs of opposed (180) fluid conduits, the separate pairs having their common longitudinal axis at each with respect to the other.

Interlacer D is the same as interlacer C except that the separate pairs of fluid conduits have their common longitudinal axes parallel to one another.

Interlacer E is similar to interlacer C, but has only a single fluid conduit.

lnterlacer F is similar to interlacer A, but is 6 /2" long, with the yarn passageway being intercepted by 6 fluid conduits spaced on 1" centers along one side of the yarn passageway.

lnterlacer G is similar to interlacer F, except that the two end fluid conduits are blocked off. The width or diameter of the yarn passageway and fluid conduit(s) of each of the above interlacers is given in Table I. Regarding their relative efiiciencies, interlacers C and D give optimum results at hi h yarn speeds, while the remaining interlacers perform best at somewhat lower speeds.

TABLE I Diameter Diameter Interor Width Fluid Air Tension, Speed Runs lacer Yarn Cond., Yarn Den./Fil. Pressure, Grams Yarn, Interlaee Density Passagein. p.s.i.g. y.p.m. way, in.

A 0. 040 0.030 cellulose 2100- 4 517 slight.

tate, 150/40. A O. 040 0. 030 do 4 517 light. A 0. 040 0. 030 4 517 moderate. A 0. 040 0. 030 4 517 medium. 1 A 0. 040 0. 030 4 517 heavy.

A 0. 040 0. 030 4 517 very heavy. A 0. 040 0. 030 4 517 D0. B 0. 025 0. 025 10 4 517 Slight B O. 025 0. 025 20 4 517 light. B 0. 025 0, 025 30 4 517 moderate-medium. B 0. 025 0. 025 40 4 517 medium-heavy. B 0. 025 0. 025 50 4 517 D0. B 0.025 0.025 60 4 517 very heavy. B 0.025 0. 025 70 4 517 Do. 0 0. 052 0. 025 100 13 2, 000 heavy. C 0.052 0. 025 100 15 3,000 D0. 0 0. 052 0. 025 100 19 4, 000 D0. 0 0. 052 0. 025 100 19 5, 000 medium-heavy. C 0. 052 0. 025 100 23 500 medium. 0 0. 052 0. 025 90 12 2. 000 heavy C 0. 052 0. 025 90 13 5, 000 Do C 0. 052 0. 025 90 11 3, 500 D0. 0 0. 052 0. 025 90 16 3, 000 medium. D 0. 052 0. 025 90 12 3, 500 medium-heavy. D 0. 052 O. 025 90 10 3, 000 heavy. B 0. 052 0. 025 70 4 600 medium. F 0. 040 0. 030 90 10 500 heavy. G 0. 040 0.030 d0 9O 10 500 medium. 7

A 0. 040 O. 030 66-nylon, 50/17 60 10 950 heavy. C 0.052 0.025 (10 15 10 950 moderate. C V 0. 052 0.025 (SS-nylon, 70/34 60 10 950 heavy. A 0. 040 0.030 cellulose ace 100 10 100 Do.

tate 300/ 5 t.p.i. A 0. 040 0. 030 do 75 10 100 moderate.

In runs 1 through 14, the yarns are interlaced immediately after spinning prior to packaging, using the apparatus shown generally in FIGURE 40. In runs 30 and 31, the yarns are interlaced immediately after drawing, prior to packaging, with an apparatus similar to that shown in FIGURE 39. Runs 1529 are interlaced during rewinding; and runs 32 and 33 show interlacing a twisted yarn.

in additional runs, the wheel interlacer shown in FIG- URES 10 and 13 is utilized to prepare ISO-denier, 40- filament interlaced cellulose acetate yarn, having a moderate density of interlacing, at a yarn speed of 500 yards per minute (yip.m.). The diameter of the wheel 11 is 2%", the slotted yarn passageway 12 is A deep, and the fluid conduits, 13, 13a, etc., are 0.030" in diameter at their points of intersection with yarn passageway 12. The fluid conduits are spaced regularly about the Wheel, alternately in the opposing walls of the yarn passageway, and their respective centers lie on a circle 2 5 in diameter. Various process conditions employed with this interlacer are indicated in Table 11.

TABLE II 7 Slot Wheel Wrap Air Run No. of Width, Speed, angle Pressure, Tension,

Conduits in. r.p.m A in p.s.i.g. Grams Degrees The interlaced yarns prepared by the above runs were rated for increasing density of interlacing, based on known practical utility, using the relative terms slight, light, moderate, medium, heavy, etc., as indicated in the last column of Table I. Yarns rated as having moderate interlace density were found to perform at least as well as corresponding conventional yarn of 2 turns per inch twist (diilering only in being twisted instead of interlaced) when compared in commercial operation for mechanical performance during knitting and weaving, runability, fabric quality, and handling behavior in general. Yarns of medium to heavy interlace density were similarly suitable for uses previously served by the more highly twisted conventional yarns of moderate to heavy twist intensities. The light interlace density was found to be highly effective as a replacement for producers twist in corresponding uses of the yarn. A numerical characterization of interlace density was subsequently evolved to permit comparisons in a manner similar to the conventional use of twist intensity. As determined by the test about to be described, a coherency factor of about 2.5 to 7 corresponds to the above rating of light interlace density, a value of about 7 to 20 corresponds to the above rating of moderate, a value of about 20 to 50 corresponds to medium, and higher values correspond to heavy interlace density.

Hook Drop Characterization of Interlace Density The hook-drop test is based on the distance a weighted hook inserted through a yarn bundle can be lowered before the weight of the hook is supported by the resistance of the yarn to further passage of the hook down the yarn. The result is expressed as a coherency factor, which is calculated as divided by this distance in centimeters so that greater coherency is indicated by higher values. The analogy to the effect of increasing the twist of conventional yarn is apparent.

Since filament interlacing is random in nature and may be varied by the mechanical handling to which it is subjected, a large number of samples should be obtained so as to provide representative results. Approximately 1000 yards are unwound off a yarn package so as to expose fresh, clean, undamaged yarn, the last 100 yards being unwound at a rate no greater than 50 yards per minute so that surrace abrasion of the yarn is avoided. Samples are then tested at regular intervals along the yarn until enough samples have been tested to give the required precision. For each of the values reported hereinafter, 100

tests were made. In order to eliminate the eifect of twist,

any twist is carefully removed so that each sample is rea1 duced to a condition of substantially zero twist prior to testing.

One end of a test sample approximately 100 centimeters long is fastened adjacent to the upper end of a vertical scale graduated in centimeters. The lower end of the sample is weighted with a weight in grarns numerically equal to 0.20 times the denier of the yarn, but having a total weight not greater than 100 grams (when the yarn denier exceeds 500). The pr ssure at points of attach- Inent should be only SllffiCiSllt to hold the yarn in place without yarn damage; a smooth resilient surface is most desirable. At a po nt 0.5-1.0 centimeter below the yarn attachment at the upper end of the scale, the yarn bundle is carefully sepmated with a pointed instrument so that at least one-third of the total number of filaments is on each side of the point of division. Into this separation is inserted a weighted hook having a total weight in grams numerically equal to the mean denier per filament of the yarn, but weighing not greater than grains (when the mean denier per filament XC8S 10).

The weighted hook is then lowered at a rate of 1 to 2 centimeters per second until the weight of the hook is supported by the yarn. The hook-drop distance thereby traversed through the yarn bundle, from the original point of separation to the point of rest, is recorded. The test is repeated with additional yarn samples until 100 results are obtained in accurate testing. The highest and the lowest 20% of the hook-drop distances are eliminated and an average of the remaining values is taken as representative of the yarn. The coherency factor is 100 divided by this average "value in centimeters. Obviously, if the hook-drop distance for a sample is greater than 100 (as for yarn having a coherency factor of less than 1), a longer sample should be tested. The yarn and hook can be carefully raised and the yarn reclamped with the hook again at the top of the scale in order to continue a test. The foregoing test is hereinafter referred to in the claims as the hook-drop test.

Runs 43-46 are summarized in Table HT. Cellulose acetate zero twist yarn, of the indicated denier and number of filaments, was interlaced with the jet shown in FEGURE 38 of the drawing under the conditions shown in the table. The heading Yarn Length refers to the distance between yarn guides "before and after the jet,

and includes the jet length.

TABLE III Ten- Yarn Air Yarn Coher- Run Yarn No. of sion on Speed, Pres, Length, ency Denier Fils. yarn, y.p.rn. p.s.i.g. cm. Factor grams Runs 47-50 are summarized in Table IV. Poly-(ethylene terephthalate) zero twist yarn was interlaced with the jet disclosed in Ill and IV of our copending application Serial No. 5811, filed February 1, 1960, using an air flow countercurrent to the direction of yarn travel. The other conditions are shown as in the previous table.

Runs 51-54 are summarized in Tsble V. Polyhexamethyleneadiparnide (66 nylon) zero twist yarn was interlaced with a jet similar in design and operation to that of runs 47-50. Other conditions are given in the table.

TABLE V 'Icn- Yarn Air Yarn Coher- Run Yarn No.0t sion on Speed, Pres, Length, ency Denier Fils. yarn, y.p.m. p.s.i.g. cm. Factor grams Runs -60 are summarized in Table VI. Poly-hexantethyleneadipamide (66 nylon) yarn, zero twist for runs 55-59 and /2 t.p .i. twist for run 60, was interlaced with the jet disclosed in FIGURE 14 and in our copending application Serial No. 5,811, filed February 1, 1960. The yarn of run 56 was composed of trilobal cross-section filaments, whereas the other yarns had nominally round cross-sections. Other conditions are given in the table.

TABLE VI Ten- Yarn Air Yarn Coher- Run Yarn No. of sion on Speed, Pres, Length, ency Denier Flls. yarn, y.p.rn. p.s.i.g. cm. Factor grams Runs 61-64 are summarized in Table VII. Polyhexan'iethyleneadipamide (66 nylon) zero twist yarn was interlaced with the following jets:

Run 61, two of the jets shown in PEG. 38 in series. Run 62, two of the thin slot jets shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 in series.

Run 63, the jet shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. Run 64, the jet shown in FIG. 38 of the drawing. Other conditions are given in the table.

TABLE VII Ten- Yarn Air Yarn Coher- Rnn Yarn No. of sion on Speed, Pres, Length, ency Denier Fils. yarn, y.p.m. p.s.i.g. cm. Factor grams Runs 65-69 illustrate interlacing of various twisted yarns with dilferent jets as follows:

In run 65, viscose rayon yarn having 2 /2 turns per inch of twist was interlaced with the jet disclosed in FIGURE 14 and in our copending application Serial No. 5,811, filed February 1, 1960.

run 66, cellulose acetate yarn having 2 turns per inch of twist was interlaced with the jet shown in FIG- URM 38 of the present application.

In run 67, polyacrylon-itrile yarn having 5.2 turns per inch of twist was interlaced with the jet disclosed in FIG- URES Ill and IV of ou copending application Serial No. 5,811, using countencurrent flow of air.

In run 68, polyacrylonitriie yarn having 0.3 turn per inch of twist was interlaced with the jet of run 67.

In run 69, polycaproarnide (6 nylon) yarn having turn per inch of twist was interlaced with the jet of run 67.

Other conditions are shown in Table VIII.

. in FIGURE 3 8.

23 TABLE VIII Ten- Yarn Air Yarn Coher- Run Yarn N0. of sion on Speed, Pres, Length, ency Denier Fils. yarn, y.p.m. p.s.i.g. cm. Factor grams Runs 70-75 of Table IX illustrate the preparation of very tightly interlaced yarn by using heated air in the jet of FIGURE 38. The jet had a yarn tube diameter of 0.050 inch, and an orifice size of 0.050 inch. The air temperature was measured as supplied to the jet before expansion in the jet. The yarn was 70-denier, 34-filament, zero twist polyhexamethyleneadipamide (66 nylon) yarn with a standard finish. The type of interiace pro- Staple interlaced yarn was made by drafting short lengths of poly(ethy-lene terephthalate) fibers into the jet shown in FIGURE 38 in which the yarn passage diameter was 0.050 inch while the air passages were 0.050 inch. Staple filaments averaging 3 inches long and 2 denier per filament were fed as a roving to drafting rolls, passed through the jet fo interlacing into yarn, and the yarn was wound up under a controlled tension of 2 to 3 grams. Air was supplied to the jet at 50 pounds per square inch gage. The jet was in such relation to the drafting rolls that withdrawal of interlaced staple yarn from the jet would draw staple fibers into the jet continuously from the drafting rolls. By adjusting the rate of drafting, staple yarns of various cotton counts were made: 6/1 c.c., 8/1 cc, 16/1 cc and 27/1 c.c. staple interlaced yarns were produced. The yarns were very heavily interlaced, having coherency factors well in excess of 100 when tested by the hook drop test. Under a microscope the yarn eX- hibited a random closely-braided structure with fuzzy protruding filament ends.

Light to moderately interlaced yarns were prepared, using various conditions and types of commercial yarns, and evaluated for the frequency of filament intermingling events per inch of yarn by the successive cross-sections yarn evaluation method described near the end of the specification. In runs 76-80, poly(ethylene terephtha-late) .Zero twist yarns were interlaced with jets of the type disclosed in FIGURES III and IV of our copending application Serial No. 5,811, filed February 1, 1960, using countercurrent flow of air. In runs 81, 82 and 83, polyhexamethyleneadipamide (66 nylon) Zero twist yarn was interlaced with three different jets: Run 81 used 2 jets of the type shown in FIGURE 38, in series; run 82 used a single jet of the type shown in FIGURE 14; and run 83 used 2 jets of the type shown in FIGURES 15 and 16, in

series. In runs 84 and 85 cellulose acetate zero twist yarns were interlaced with single jets of the type shown The other conditions and the results of the structural evaluation are given in Table X. These results cannot be compared directly with the previous evaluations by the hook drop test. Obviously the coherency factor represents a combination of characteristics which produce hook-stopping entanglement, and does not ed depend solely on the gross number of filament interniingling events per inch of yarn.

TABLE X Ton- Inter- Yarn No. of sion on Yarn Air Yarn mingling Run Denier Fils. yarn, Speed, Pro s., Length, Eyents/ grams y.p.m. p.s.1.g. cm. inch of yarn In further tests, interlaclng is employed to prepare plied yarn bundles of red and white yarns, to enable visual determination of the thoroughness of plying and interlacing. The interlacer F described in connection with Table I (0.040" wide, 0.030" long yarn passageway, six 0.030 fiuid conduits) is used to ply 1 end of red and 1 end of white 75/24 cellulose acetate yarn at 500 y.p.m., 10 grams tension, and 90 p.s.i.g. air pressure. The product shows heavy interlace density, and appears a uniform pink to the observer. With interlacer G described in connection with Table I, which is designed like interlacer F, but has only four fluid conduits, under the same conditions a medium density product is produced, wherein the red and white filaments are discernible, i.e., the resulting yarn is a non-uniform pink in color. Where interlacer C described in connection with Table I (yarn passageway 0.052 in diameter, fiuid conduits 0.025 in diameter) is used to ply an end each of red 75/24 cellulose acetate and white 70/ 34 nylon at 2000 y.p.-m., 8l0 grams tension, and using 90 p.s.i.g. air, a moderate interlaced product is obtained, the plying being somewhat irregular. Preferably, plying is carried out at reduced speeds.

Further, the interlacer shown in FIGURE 33 is used in combination with a vibrating reed to ply and interlace a feed of 1 white 70/34 poly(ethylene terephthalate) yarn and 1 red 75/24 cellulose acetate. This interlacer 11 has two 0.030 diameter cylindrical yarn passageways 12 and 12a which are A" long and have their respective centers spaced 0.030 apart. The fluid conduits 13 and 13a are 0.017" x 0.032 at their orifices. The yarn string-up slot 22 is 0.004 wide. The yarns are fed at 500 y.p.m., each under 10 grams tension, using air at 80400 p.s.i.-g. pressure. When the reed is vibrated at a frequency of 50 c.p.s., the interlace density is judged medium. Where the reed is vibrated at 75 c.p.s., the interlace density is determined as heavy. In both cases, the plying is relatively thorough, the product appearing a uniform pink color to the observer.

The above process can also be used to ply a number of yarns into a ribbon or fabric of any desired width or tubular fabric of various diameters. A warp of multifilarnent threadlines is passed through a slot or annulus 'in which a plurality of jets, arranged closely together in .yarn tension of less than 30 grams under various air pressure from 10 to 100 p.s.i.g. The warp sheet produced showed substantial filament intermingling between the adjacent yarn ends. The resistance to separation in the 

1. THE PROCESS FOR PREPARING A COMPACT INTERLACED MULTIFILAMENT TEXTILE YARN WHICH COMPRISES CONTINUOUSLY FEEDING A MULTIFILAMENT YARN BUNDLE UNDER TENSION THROUGH A PLURAL VORTEX TURBULENT ZONE FORMED BY A FLUID JET, JETTING THE FLUID WITH A FORCE WHICH SEPARATES THE YARN BUNDLE INTO MULTIPLE GROUPS OF ONE OR MORE FILAMENTS, CAUSING THE SEPARATED GROUPS TO OSCILLATE BETWEEN VORTICES AT SUCCESSIVE POSITIONS ALONG THE YARN TO INTERMINGLE THE FILAMENTS AS THE YARN PASSES THROUGH THE TURBULENT ZONE, AND WITHDRAWING THE FILAMENTS FROM THE TURBULENT ZONE UNDER A TENSION THAT FORMS A YARN BUNDLE ESSENTIALLY CONSISTING OF CLOSELY ADJACENT FILAMENTS FREE FROM RING-LIKE AND OTHER LOOPS, THE FILAMENTS BEING RANDOMLY INTERMINGLED WITH ADJACENT FILAMENTS AND GROUPS OF FILAMENTS ALONG THE YARN TO MAINTAIN THE UNITY OF THE YARN BY FRICTIONAL CONSTRAINT BETWEEN THE FILAMENTS. 